Vehicle trim assembly

ABSTRACT

A trim assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The trim assembly includes a substrate and a housing forming a cavity therebetween. A conductive layer is coupled to the housing and has first and second portions each including an electrically conductive material. The first portion is separated from the second portion by an electrically insulative gap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/604,807, filed Jan. 26, 2015, and entitled “LUMINESCENT TRIM LIGHTASSEMBLY,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/086,442, filed Nov. 21, 2013, and entitled “VEHICLELUMINESCENT LIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE,” the entiredisclosures of each is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to vehicle luminescent lightassemblies, and more particularly, to vehicle luminescent lightassemblies employing photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Illumination arising from photoluminescent materials offers a unique andattractive viewing experience. It is therefore desired to incorporatesuch photoluminescent materials in portions of vehicles to providequality lighting assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a trim assembly for avehicle is disclosed. The trim assembly includes a substrate and ahousing forming a cavity therebetween. A conductive layer is coupled tothe housing and has first and second portions each including anelectrically conductive material. The first portion is separated fromthe second portion by an electrically insulative gap.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a trim assemblyfor a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing having alayer thereon having first and second portions each formed with anelectrically conductive material and separated by an electricallyinsulative gap. A conductive interconnect is disposed between asubstrate and the housing. The interconnect supplies electrical power toeach conductive material on the housing. A light source is disposedbetween the substrate and housing.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a trim assemblyfor a vehicle is disclosed. The trim assembly includes a substratecoupled to a housing. The housing has a conductive layer thereon thatincludes first and second portions separated by an electricallyinsulative gap. A conductive interconnect is disposed between thesubstrate and the housing. The interconnect supplies electrical power tothe conductive layer on the housing.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a photoluminescent structure rendered as acoating for use in a photoluminescent trim light assembly according tosome examples;

FIG. 1B is a top view of a photoluminescent structure rendered as adiscrete particle according to some examples;

FIG. 1C is a side view a plurality photoluminescent structures renderedas discrete particles and incorporated into a separate structure;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view of the interior of a vehicle having aluminescent trim light assembly disposed therein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the luminescent trim lightassembly taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2 having an outer layerdisposed on a housing;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment ofa vehicle luminescent trim light assembly taken along line III-III ofFIG. 2 having an outer layer and a reflective material disposed on aninterior surface of the housing and a hand interfacing therewith;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment ofa vehicle luminescent trim light assembly taken along line III-III ofFIG. 2 having two light sources and a plurality of photoluminescentstructures disposed therein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment ofa vehicle luminescent trim light assembly taken along line III-III ofFIG. 2 having an inner layer disposed inwardly of the housing;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment ofa vehicle luminescent trim light assembly taken along line III-III ofFIG. 2 having an outer layer disposed on a housing and a protectivematerial disposed on the outer layer;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an alternateembodiment of a vehicle having a luminescent trim light assembly takenalong line III-III of FIG. 2 having an outer layer disposed on a housingand a protective material disposed on the outer layer; and

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the vehicle lighting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure aredisclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodiedin various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to adetailed design and some schematics may be exaggerated or minimized toshow function overview. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art tovariously employ the present disclosure.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,”“exterior,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention asoriented in FIG. 2. However, it is to be understood that the inventionmay assume various alternative orientations, except where expresslyspecified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specificdevices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, anddescribed in the following specification are simply exemplaryembodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relatingto the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered aslimiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally,unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of aparticular feature or component extending in or along a given directionor the like does not mean that the feature or component follows astraight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends insuch direction or on such a plane without other directional componentsor deviations, unless otherwise specified.

The following disclosure describes a luminescent trim light assemblythat advantageously employs one or more photoluminescent structuresconfigured to convert light received from an associated light source andre-emit the light at a different wavelength.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, various exemplary embodiments ofphotoluminescent structures 10 are shown, each capable of beingimplemented within a trim light assembly 24 (FIG. 2). In FIG. 1A, thephotoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown rendered as a supportmedium 14 (e.g., a film) that may be applied to a surface of the supportmember 12, such as a substrate 48 (FIG. 3). In FIG. 1B, thephotoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a discrete particlecapable of being integrated with a support member 12. In FIG. 1C, thephotoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a plurality ofdiscrete particles that may be incorporated into a support medium 14(e.g., a film) that may then be applied (as shown) or integrated withthe support member 12.

At the most basic level, a given photoluminescent structure 10 includesan energy conversion layer 16 that may include one or more sublayers,which are exemplarily shown through broken lines in FIGS. 1A and 1B.Each sublayer of the energy conversion layer 16 may include one or morephotoluminescent materials having energy converting elements withphosphorescent or fluorescent properties. Each photoluminescent materialmay become excited upon receiving light of a specific wavelength,thereby causing the light to undergo a conversion process resulting inluminescence of the photoluminescent material. Under the principle ofdown conversion, the inputted light is converted into a longerwavelength light that is outputted from the photoluminescent structure10. Conversely, under the principle of up conversion, the inputted lightis converted into a shorter wavelength light that is outputted from thephotoluminescent structure 10. When multiple distinct wavelengths oflight are outputted from the photoluminescent structure 10 at the sametime, the wavelengths of light may mix together and be expressed as amulticolor light.

In some embodiments, light that has been down converted or up convertedmay be used to excite other photoluminescent material(s) found in theenergy conversion layer 16. The process of using converted lightoutputted from one photoluminescent material to excite another, and soon, is generally known as an energy cascade and may serve as analternative for achieving various color expressions. With respect toeither conversion principle, the difference in wavelength between theexciting light and the converted light is known as the Stokes shift andserves as the principal driving mechanism for an energy conversionprocess corresponding to a change in wavelength of light. In the variousembodiments discussed herein, each of the photoluminescent structures 10may operate under either conversion principle.

The energy conversion layer 16 may be prepared by dispersing thephotoluminescent material in a polymer matrix to form a homogenousmixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparingthe energy conversion layer 16 from a formulation in a liquid carriermedium and coating the energy conversion layer 16 to a desired supportmember 12. The energy conversion layer 16 may be applied to a supportmember 12 by painting, screen printing, spraying, slot coating, dipcoating, roller coating, and bar coating. Alternatively, the energyconversion layer 16 may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquidcarrier medium. For example, the energy conversion layer 16 may berendered by dispersing the photoluminescent material into a solid statesolution (homogenous mixture in a dry state) that may be incorporated ina polymer matrix, which may be formed by extrusion, injection molding,compression molding, calendaring, thermoforming, etc. The energyconversion layer 16 may then be integrated into a support member 12using any methods known to those skilled in the art. When the energyconversion layer 16 includes sublayers, each sublayer may besequentially coated to form the energy conversion layer 16.Alternatively, the sublayers can be separately prepared and laterlaminated or embossed together to form the energy conversion layer 16.Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 may be formed bycoextruding the sublayers.

Referring back to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 mayoptionally include at least one stability layer 18 to protect thephotoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer16 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stability layer 18 maybe configured as a separate layer optically coupled and adhered to theenergy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the stability layer 18 may beintegrated with the energy conversion layer 16. The photoluminescentstructure 10 may also optionally include a protection layer 20 opticallycoupled and adhered to the stability layer 18 or other layer (e.g., theconversion layer 16 in the absence of the stability layer 18) to protectthe photoluminescent structure 10 from physical and chemical damagearising from environmental exposure. The stability layer 18 and/or theprotective layer 20 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 16through sequential coating or printing of each layer, sequentiallamination or embossing, or any other suitable means.

Referring to FIG. 2, a vehicle 22 is shown having a trim light assembly24 located within the interior cabin 26 of the vehicle 22. The trimlight assembly 24 is integrally formed with or generally disposedproximate a trim assembly 28 of the vehicle 22. In the exemplaryembodiment shown, the interior trim assembly 28 forms an insert for adoor trim panel 102. In some examples, the door trim assembly 28 ismounted to an inner panel of the vehicle door as illustrated in FIG. 2.It should also be appreciated that the trim light assembly 24 may be anassembly mounted to other panels of the vehicle 22. The door trimassembly 28 includes a substrate 48 extending longitudinally andvertically and having a generally rectangular shape. The substrate 48has an internal surface 60 and an outer side. The outer side is attachedto the inner panel of the door by suitable means such as fasteners (notshown).

The trim light assembly 24 may also function as a styling element thatis used to enhance the appearance of the vehicle 22 and includes a lightsource 30 and a luminescent portion 32. The luminescent portion 32includes at least one photoluminescent structure 10 therein. Forinstance, each trim light assembly 24 may have a portion thatilluminates in first and second colors. When the vehicle 22 is in afirst state, the trim light assembly 24 provides outward glow in a firstcolor. When the vehicle 22 is in a second state, the trim light assembly24 may appear as a second color. Through the use of photoluminescentstructures 10, each color may appear uniform along a portion of the bodyof the trim light assembly 24. The contrast in substantially uniformlighting between the different states imparts a distinct styling elementto the trim light assembly 24. While a trim light assembly 24 for usewithin a vehicle 22 cabin has been described herein, it should beunderstood that light assemblies in other locations of the vehicle 22may be similarly configured.

Referring to FIG. 3, cross section III-III of FIG. 2 illustrating a trimlight assembly 24 is shown according to some examples. The trim lightassembly 24 includes a substrate 48, which may form a portion of a trimassembly 28 (FIG. 2) and may be made of any practicable material, suchas a polymer. Exemplary materials includeacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), thermoplasticolefin (TPO), styrene block co-polymer (SEBS), thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like. Ahousing 36 is attached to the substrate 48 creating an aestheticallypleasing three-dimensional component within the vehicle 22, and a cavity38 therebetween. The housing 36 may be embodied in a one-piece tubularconfiguration that may be later assembled to the substrate 48 via anyadhesion process, such as sonic or laser welding. Alternatively, thehousing 36 and substrate 48 may be assembled as a single piece throughany known process, such as low-pressure insert molding. In theillustrated embodiment, the housing 36 is an outward component of theassembly that is substantially visible after the assembly has beenmounted on a vehicle 22.

The trim light assembly 24 may also include an outer layer 40 made fromany desired material. Portions of the outer layer 40 that are readilyvisible may be colored any color or may be metalized to give the trimlight assembly 24 a metallic appearance. In some examples, an outerlayer 40 is applied to an outward portion of the housing 36. The outerlayer 40 may contain a plurality of portions of differing amounts ofopacity, which is the measure of impenetrability to visible lightthrough a material. An opaque object is neither transparent (allowingsubstantially all light to pass through) nor translucent (allowing somelight to pass through). In the illustrated embodiment, the outer layer40 includes a first portion 42 with a metallic material applied theretovia electroplating a thin layer of a metallic material thereon. Thefirst portion 42 of the outer layer 40 is substantially opaque. A secondportion 44 of the outer layer 40 includes a metallic material and istransparent and/or translucent to allow light to pass therethrough froman inner side to an outer side of the housing 36. The housing 36 and/orouter layer 40 may be of any practicable shape and material that assistin directing light from within the trim light assembly 24 to a desiredtarget location. For example, the second portion 44 may act as a lens insome embodiments. Alternate processes may be used for coloring orlayering material onto a portion of the housing 36, as is known in theart. Additional layers may further be applied to the housing 36 and/orouter layer 40, such as, but not limited to, a housing 36 and/or outerlayer 40 and the protective layer 46 (FIG. 7). In alternate embodiments,the housing 36 may include the outer layer 40 integrally formed with aprotective layer 46, or the outer layer 40 and housing 36 may beintegrally formed as a single component.

The trim light assembly 24 includes a luminescent portion 32 including aphotoluminescent structure 10. The luminescent portion 32 is coupled tothe substrate 48, and optionally, some or all of the housing 36. Theluminescent portion 32 at least partially covers the internal surface 60of the substrate 48 and may be applied as a single continuous structureor multiple structures. Any remaining portions of the trim lightassembly 24 may be covered by a light reflecting material 50 (FIG. 4),as described herein. In an alternative embodiment, the luminescentportion 32 may be molded or otherwise directly integrated into thesubstrate 48, housing 36, and/or any other component of the trim lightassembly 24.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the trim light assembly 24 may furtherinclude a printed circuit board (PCB) 52 that is disposed between thesubstrate 48 and the housing 36. The PCB 52 may be secured to thesubstrate 48 or the housing 36 at any angle such that a light source 30disposed on the PCB 52 is positioned towards a desired target location.The light source 30 may be powered by a vehicle power supply 54 (FIG. 9)or other power supply. The light source 30 may be disposed on any sideof the PCB 52. A white solder mask (not shown) may be applied to the PCB52 to reflect light incident thereon.

The light source 30 may be configured to emit non-focused light thatexcites a substantial portion of the photoluminescent structure 10. Thelight source 30 may be configured as one or more of various light types,such as, but not limited to, halogen lights, fluorescent lights, lightemitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), and polymer LEDs (PLEDs).In some examples, an LED 56 may be disposed on a first side of the PCB52 and oriented to face towards the luminescent portion 32.

In operation, portions of the substrate 48 that are covered by thephotoluminescent structure 10 may be configured to luminesce in responseto excitation by light emitted from light source 30. Specifically, thephotoluminescent structure 10 may be configured to perform an energyconversion on light emitted from light source 30. According to someexamples, the photoluminescent structure 10 is configured to downconvert light received from light source 30 to a new light of a longerwavelength. The light source 30 may be an LED 56 configured to emitultraviolet light (˜10-400 nanometers in wavelength), violet light(˜380-450 nanometers in wavelength), or blue light (˜450-495 nanometersin wavelength) to take advantage of the relatively low cost that isattributed to those types of LEDs. The converted light emitted from thephotoluminescent structure 10 may correspond to a visible light, whichincludes the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can bedetected by the human eye (˜390-700 nanometers in wavelength) and may beexpressed in a variety of colors defined by a single wavelength (e.g.red, green, blue) or a mixture of multiple wavelengths (e.g. white).Thus, it should be understood that the photoluminescent structure 10 maybe configured such that converted light emitted therefrom is expressedas unicolored or multi-colored light. For instance, the photoluminescentstructure 10 may be configured to convert light emitted from lightsource 30 into white light, which may provide a cost effectivealternative to using white LEDs.

According to some examples, the photoluminescent structure 10 issubstantially Lambertian, that is, the apparent brightness of thephotoluminescent structure 10 is substantially constant regardless of anobserver's angle of view. As a consequence, converted light may beemitted outwardly from the photoluminescent structure 10 in numerousdirections. With respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a portion ofthe converted light may be transmitted through the housing 36 andsubstantially transparent portions 58 of the outer layer 40, therebycausing those portions to exhibit luminescence.

Referring to FIG. 4, cross section of FIG. 2 illustrating an alternateembodiment of a trim light assembly 24 is shown having a PCB 52 that isencapsulated by the substrate 48 and the housing 36. The PCB 52 isattached to the housing 36 at a location proximate the substrate 48. Thetrim light assembly 24 also includes an LED 56 disposed on the PCB 52that is directed towards an internal surface 60 of the substrate 48. TheLED 56 is configured to produce light at a first wavelength 70. Theinternal surface 60 of the substrate 48 has a luminescent portion 32configured to convert light at a first wavelength 70 to a secondwavelength 74. The luminescent portion 32 may be of any thickness andmay vary in thickness such that the light at the second wavelength 74 isdirected towards a desired direction.

The trim light assembly 24, in the illustrated embodiment, also includesan outer layer 40 having a first portion 42 and a second portion 44separated by a gap 62. The gap 62 may be a hollow void or may be filledwith any desired material 104, such as an electrically insulativematerial (i.e., dielectric). The first and second portions 42, 44 of theouter layer 40, in the illustrated embodiment, each contain anelectrically conductive material. The first portion 42 of the outerlayer 40 is substantially opaque to light. Conversely, the secondportion 44 of the outer layer 40 is substantially transparent and/ortranslucent such that light from the LED 56 and/or photoluminescentstructure 10 may penetrate the housing 36 and correspondingsubstantially transparent portion 58 of the outer layer 40 to directlight towards a desired location.

Another portion of the converted light may be emitted within the cavity38 created between the substrate 48 and housing 36 and may eventually beredirected back toward the photoluminescent structure 10 by either thereflective material 50, a reflective layer, or a white solder mask onthe first side of the PCB 52 before finally being outputted from thesubstantially transparent portion 58 of the housing 36. This may help toensure that an optimal amount of converted light is outputted from thetrim light assembly 24. Furthermore, the provision of the reflectivematerial 50 and the white solder mask on the PCB 52 also helps to ensurethat an optimal amount of light emitted from light source 30 reaches thephotoluminescent structure 10. For example, it is possible for a portionof the light emitted from light source 30 to reflect off thephotoluminescent structure 10, thereby resulting in decreased excitationof the photoluminescent structure 10. Thus, by providing a means toredirect this light back toward the photoluminescent structure 10,wayward propagating light originating from light source 30 and containedwithin the cavity 38 is given another opportunity to excite thephotoluminescent structure 10.

The trim light assembly 24 may further comprise a proximity sensor 34that may be operable to actuate a control output. In some embodiments,the sensor 34 is a single or a plurality of proximity sensors. Each ofthe sensors may be configured to control at least one control outputcorresponding to a system or a device of the vehicle 22. In someembodiments, the proximity sensors may be implemented as capacitivesensors. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of proximity sensors may be used in addition to and/oralternatively to any other practicable sensor. Other embodiments of theproximity sensors may include but are not limited to, magnetic sensors,inductive sensors, optical sensors, resistive sensors, temperaturesensors, the like, or any combination thereof.

Capacitive sensors detect changes in capacitance due to the placement ormovement of an object such as a finger 88, or hand, proximate to or incontact with the sensor 34. The user's finger 88 may tap or swipe on ornear the sensor 34 to input a switching event. The sensor 34 may beformed by the first and second portions 42, 44 of the conductive outerlayer 40. Capacitive sensors may be actuatable with substantially noforce to realize switch activation. The actual sensitivity of this typeof switch can be tuned via a detection circuit. Capacitive switchesbeneficially provide immunity to interference and eliminate the need forelectromechanical switch gear (e.g., push buttons or sliding switches).

Referring still to FIG. 4, the proximity sensor 34 controls a switchfunction that is integrated into the outer layer 40 by the applicationof touching the outer layer 40 at a targeted location (e.g., capacitivetouch sense switch, etc.). The first and/or second portions 42, 44 ofthe outer layer 40 include a conductive material, or electrodes, therebyforming a capacitive sensor 34 that is embedded within the trim lightassembly 24. The capacitive sensor 34 transmits a signal to a controller64 (FIG. 9) to perform an operation (e.g., light on/off, etc.).Alternatively, the sensor 34 may be embedded in the first and/or secondportion 42, 44 of the outer layer 40. The sensor 34 of this example is atouch sensitive transmitter that may be activated by, for example, afinger-touch to transmit a signal.

Referring to FIG. 5, cross section of a trim light assembly 24 is shownhaving a first PCB 52 and first LED 56 disposed on an interior surfaceof a substrate 48. A second PCB 66 and second LED 68 are also disposedon the same surface. It is contemplated, however, that either PCB 52, 66and/or LED 56, 68 may be disposed anywhere within or on any portion ofthe trim light assembly 24 to achieve any desired lighting effect.Additionally, both LEDs 56, 68 may be disposed on the same PCB 52. Thefirst LED 56 is configured to emit light at a first wavelength 70. Thesecond LED 68 emits light at a second wavelength 74 different from thatof the first LED 56.

The trim light assembly 24 of FIG. 5 also includes first and secondluminescent portions 32, 78 having two differing photoluminescentstructures 10 therein. The first photoluminescent structure 10 isexcited by light at the first wavelength 70, emitting light at a secondwavelength 74. The second photoluminescent structure 10 is configured tobe excited by light at the third wavelength 72 thereby emitting light ata fourth wavelength 76. Through the use of multiple light sources 56, 68and multiple luminescent portions 32, 78, the trim light assembly 24 mayproduce a multitude of colored light and lighting effects.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the first and second luminescent portions 32,78 are disposed on an interior surface of the housing 36 in aninterlaced or striped pattern. Each luminescent portion 32, 78 may bedisposed in any direction and of any practicable width to create thedesired lighting effects. Through the use of a striped pattern, it ispossible for the combined light emitted from the first and secondluminescent portions 32, 78 to appear as a homogenous color. In anotherembodiment, the light source 30 may excite only the first luminescentportion 32 followed by only the second luminescent portion 78 in anydesired pattern to create a desired lighting effect proximate the trimlight assembly 24.

Additional luminescent portions may be interlaced on and/or within thehousing 36 or may be disposed on a second surface within the cavity 38.The additional luminescent portions may be excited individually by anylight source 30 or in combination with the first and second luminescentportions 32, 78 to create a wide range of colors and effects. Forexample, the light source 30 may rapidly excite alternating luminescentportions 32, 78 to create a flickering effect. Additionally, the lightsource 30 may vary the intensity of light emitted therefrom based on apredefined event, such as an output level chosen by an occupant throughuse of a switch, as described above. The intensity may also be variedbased on any other data obtained from the vehicle 22, such as whetherthe vehicle 22 is being operated during the day or at night.

Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary embodiment of a trim light assembly 24is shown having a housing 36 coupled to a substrate 48 with an LED 56and a PCB 52 disposed therebetween. An inner layer 80 having first andsecond portions 82, 84 is proximate the interior surface of the housing36. The first portion 82 of the inner layer 80 is substantially opaque.A PCB 52 is coupled to the first portion 82 of the interior layer and anLED 56 is disposed on the PCB 52. The LED 56 is positioned towards abottom portion of the housing 36. The second portion 84 of the innerlayer 80 is substantially transparent and/or translucent such that lightfrom within the housing 36 may be directed towards a desired location.Luminescent portion 32 containing a photoluminescent structure 10 isdisposed on and/or within the second portion 84 of the inner layer 80and configured to convert light at a first wavelength 70 from the LED 56to a second wavelength 74, as described herein.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the first and/or second portions 82, 84 ofthe inner layer 80 may be conductive to form a sensor 34 and/or switch,as described above. The sensor 34 and/or switch may toggle the trimlight assembly 24 between an on state and an off state or may controlany other desired function, such as the intensity of the light. Forexample, when an operator touches the sensor 34 a variation of theelectrostatic capacity of the sensor 34 and/or switch, which occurs dueto the touch by the operator, is transferred through the first and/orsecond portion 82, 84 of the inner layer 80, thereby acting as adetection electrode to the controller 64 and then output as a touchoperation signal. In addition, since the sensor 34 is formed with aconductive member and a portion thereof is made to appear as the housing36, the touch detection can be made with high accuracy.

Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary cross section III-III of FIG. 2illustrates the trim light assembly 24 including a housing 36 and asubstrate 48 having a PCB 52 formed integrally therewith. A light source30, such as an LED 56, is disposed on the PCB 52. The LED 56 is directedtowards the housing 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 36 issubstantially transparent and/or translucent. A photoluminescentstructure 10 is disposed within and integrally formed with the housing36.

The trim light assembly 24 includes an outer layer 40 having first andsecond portions 42, 44. In alternate embodiments, the outer layer 40includes a plurality of portions that may each have differing levels ofopacity. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 42 of theouter layer 40 is substantially opaque, while the second portion 44 ofthe outer layer 40 is substantially translucent. The second portion 44of the outer layer 40 may additionally be formed as a lens therebydirecting light excited by the photoluminescent structure 10 towards adesired location. Further, the lens may be an additional component thatmay be movable such that an occupant may control the target location ofthe trim light assembly 24. As described above, the first and/or secondportions 42, 44 of the outer layer 40 may contain a conductive materialthereby forming a proximity sensor 34 for controlling the trim lightassembly 24.

Still referring to FIG. 7, the illustrated embodiment of the trim lightassembly 24 further includes a protective layer 46 disposed on top ofthe outer layer 40. According to some examples, the protective layer 46is made of a vacuum formed polycarbonate that has metal coatings appliedto the interior surface thereof before injection molding of the housing36 thereby creating the conductive part through cost effective means. Itis contemplated, however, that any manufacturing process known in theart may be used to create the trim light assembly 24 and any componentthereof. The protective layer 46 may comprise an additional designfeature for the trim light assembly 24.

The protective layer 46 may be made through silk screening a materialonto the housing 36. Alternatively, any other coating technique whichallows the housing 36 and/or outer layer 40 to have any desiredprotective characteristics or design features may be utilized. Thesurface of the housing 36 and/or outer layer 40 may also be completelyor selectively flashed with metal coatings for appearance,legends/markings, and/or conductivity.

In an alternate embodiment, first and second LEDs 56, 68 may be disposedon the same surface of the PCB 52. The first LED 56 may be directedtowards a photoluminescent structure 10 within the trim light assembly24. The second LED 68 may be disposed in a gullwing configuration, whichemits light through the PCB 52. In such an embodiment, the second LED 68may serve to illuminate any component disposed in the vicinity of thetrim light assembly 24, such as a door latch. Additionally, oralternatively, the housing 36 of the trim light assembly 24 may beadapted to allow the light from the second LED 68 to pass therethroughto create additional lighting features within the vehicle 22.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an exemplary trim light assembly 24 is shown inan exploded view. The trim light assembly 24 includes a PCB 52 that mayinclude spring connectors 90, or any other form of conductive compliantinterconnects. The substrate 48 may form the base of the PCB 52, oralternatively, the PCB 52 may be attached to the substrate 48. Thehousing 36 may be curved in shape with a concave surface. The housing 36may comprise a proximity sensor 34 to sense movement or an objectapproaching the trim light assembly 24.

The trim light assembly 24 may be resiliently movable to create atactile feel as the trim light assembly 24 is actuated between differentoperating modes. The spring connectors 90 may be disposed between thesubstrate 48 and housing 36 to return the housing 36 to its originalposition. Signals from the sensor 34 may be routed to a centralconnector such as a zebra strip connector. Generally speaking, a zebrastrip connector is a packaging device that allows quick alignment ofelectronic devices on a PCB 52. The zebra strip connector may comprise asmall rubber strip with carbon bands extending around it that allowscontact to be made from pads on the PCB 52 to the pads on a conductiveouter layer 40 that partially surrounds the housing 36 by whicheverbands happen to line up at both points.

The capacitive sensor pads may be deposited within a plurality of outerlayer 40 portions. The capacitive sensor 34 may utilize a plurality ofindividual capacitive sensors arranged in various patterns designed tooptimize the capacitive field 86 depending on the selected signalprocessing use. It is contemplated that any other type of proximity orpush type sensor may alternatively or additionally be used within thetrim light assembly 24.

The trim light assembly 24 of FIG. 8 also includes a light source 30,which may be controlled by the proximity sensor 34 disposed within theassembly. The light source 30, in the illustrated embodiment, is an LED56 that emits light at a first wavelength 70. The trim light assembly 24further includes a luminescent portion 32 disposed on or within thehousing 36. The luminescent portion 32 is configured to emit light at asecond wavelength 74 in response to receiving light at the firstwavelength 70. The light at the second wavelength 74 is then directedoutward from the trim light assembly 24 to provide light for an occupantwithin or proximate the vehicle 22.

Referring to FIG. 9, a box diagram of a vehicle 22 is shown in which atrim light assembly 24 is implemented. The trim light assembly 24includes a controller 64 in communication with the light source 30. Thecontroller 64 may be disposed on the PCB 52, within the assembly, orwithin the vehicle 22 and includes memory 92 having instructionscontained therein that are executed by a processor 94 of the controller64. The controller 64 may provide electrical power to the light source30 via a power supply 54 located onboard the vehicle 22. In addition,the controller 64 may be configured to control the light output of eachlight source 30 based on feedback received from one or more vehiclecontrol modules 96 such as, but not limited to, a body control module,engine control module, steering control module, brake control module,the like, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the light output maybe controlled by a switch disposed within the vehicle 22 and/or disposedwithin the trim light assembly 24. By controlling the light output ofthe light source 30, the luminescent portion 32 having aphotoluminescent structure 10 therein may illuminate in a variety ofcolors and/or patterns to provide ambient light or useful vehicleinformation to an intended observer. For example, the illuminationprovided by the photoluminescent structure 10 may be used for numerousvehicle applications, such as, but not limited to, an occupant tasklight, a remote start indicator, a door lock indicator, a door ajarindicator, a puddle lamp when a vehicle door is placed in the openposition, etc.

In operation, the photoluminescent structure 10 may exhibit a constantunicolor or multi-color illumination. For example, the controller 64 maycontrol the light source 30 to emit only the first wavelength 70 oflight via LEDs 98, 100 to cause the photoluminescent structure 10 toilluminate in the first color (e.g., white). Alternatively, thecontroller 64 may control the light source 30 to emit only a thirdwavelength of light 72 via LEDs 98, 100 to cause the photoluminescentstructure 10 to illuminate in the second color (e.g., amber).Alternatively still, the controller 64 may control the light source 30to simultaneously emit the first and third wavelengths of light 70, 72to cause the photoluminescent structure 10 to illuminate in a thirdcolor (e.g. yellow) defined by an additive light mixture of the firstand second colors. Moreover, additional photoluminescent structures 10may be added to the trim light assembly 24 that converts the firstand/or third emissions 70, 72 from the light source 30 to second and/orfourth emission 74, 76. The second and fourth emissions 74, 76 may be ofany wavelength and may combine to form a substantially white lightproximate the trim light assembly 24.

In another embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 10 may exhibitperiodic unicolor or multi-color illumination. For example, thecontroller 64 may control the light source 30 to periodically emit onlythe first wavelength 70 of light via LEDs 98, 100 to cause thephotoluminescent structure 10 to periodically illuminate in the firstcolor. Alternatively, the controller 64 may control the light source 30to periodically emit only the third wavelength of light 72 via LEDs 98,100 to cause the photoluminescent structure 10 to periodicallyilluminate in the second color. Alternatively, the controller 64 maycontrol the light source 30 to simultaneously and periodically emit thefirst and third wavelengths of light 70, 72 to cause thephotoluminescent structure 10 to periodically illuminate in a thirdcolor defined by an additive light mixture of the first and secondcolors. Alternatively still, the controller 64 may control the lightsource 30 to alternate between periodically emitting the first and thirdwavelengths of light 70, 72 to cause the photoluminescent structure 10to periodically illuminate by alternating between the first and secondcolors. The controller 64 may control the light source 30 toperiodically emit the first and/or third wavelengths of light 70, 72 ata regular time interval and/or an irregular time interval.

With respect to the above examples, the controller 64 may modify theintensity of the emitted first and third wavelengths of light 70, 72 bypulse-width modulation or current control. In some embodiments, thecontroller 64 may be configured to adjust a color of the emitted lightby sending control signals to adjust an intensity or energy output levelof the light source 30. For example, if the light source 30 isconfigured to output the first emission at a low level, substantiallyall of the first emission may be converted to the second emission. Inthis configuration, a color of light corresponding to the secondemission may correspond to the color of the emitted light from theluminescent trim light assembly 24. If the light source 30 is configuredto output the first emission at a high level, only a portion of thefirst emission may be converted to the second emission. In thisconfiguration, a color of light corresponding to a mixture of the firstemission and the second emission may be output as the emitted light. Inthis way, each of the controllers 64 may control an output color of theemitted light.

Though a low level and a high level of intensity are discussed inreference to the first emission it shall be understood that theintensity of the first emission may be varied among a variety ofintensity levels to adjust a hue of the color corresponding to theemitted light from the trim light assembly 24. As described herein, thecolor of the second emission may be significantly dependent on theparticular photoluminescent materials utilized in the photoluminescentstructure 10. Additionally, a conversion capacity of thephotoluminescent structure 10 may be significantly dependent on aconcentration of the photoluminescent materials utilized in thephotoluminescent structure 10. By adjusting the range of intensitiesthat may be output from the light source 30, the concentration andproportions of the photoluminescent structures 10 in the luminescentportion 32 and the types of photoluminescent materials utilized in theluminescent portion 32, the lighting devices discussed herein may beoperable to generate a range of color hues of the emitted light byblending the first emission 70 with the second emission 74.

Accordingly, a trim light assembly employing one or morephotoluminescent structures configured to convert light received from anassociated light source and re-emit the light at a different wavelengthhas been advantageously described herein. The trim light assembly mayprovide various benefits including a simple and cost-effective means toproduce a variety of illumination that may be used as a styling featureand/or to inform an intended user of a particular vehicle status.

According to various examples, a trim assembly for a vehicle is providedherein. The trim assembly includes a substrate and a housing forming acavity therebetween. A conductive layer is coupled to the housing andhas first and second portions each including an electrically conductivematerial. The first portion is separated from the second portion by anelectrically insulative gap. Examples of the trim assembly can includeany one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   the substrate is coupled to a vehicle door trim panel;    -   a light source within the cavity;    -   the conductive material is configured as a proximity sensor that        is operably coupled to a controller to actuate a control output;    -   the gap is a hollow void;    -   the gap is filled with an electrically insulative material;    -   a protective layer disposed outwardly of the housing;    -   the proximity sensor is configured as a capacitive sensor that        detects changes in capacitance due to movement of an object        proximate to or in contact with the proximity sensor;    -   a conductive interconnect disposed between a substrate and the        housing, wherein the interconnect supplies electrical power to        each conductive material on the housing;    -   the first and second portions of the conductive layer are        disposed on first and second opposing surfaces of the housing,        the second surface aligned with the conductive interconnect;        and/or    -   the housing is resiliently movable relative to the substrate

Moreover, a method of manufacturing trim assembly for a vehicle isprovided herein. The method includes attaching a substrate to a housingforming a cavity therebetween. Next, a conductive layer is coupled tothe housing. The conductive layer has first and second portions eachincluding an electrically conductive material. The first portion isseparated from the second portion by an electrically insulative gap.

According to some examples, a trim assembly for a vehicle is providedherein. The assembly includes a housing having a layer thereon havingfirst and second portions each formed with an electrically conductivematerial and separated by an electrically insulative gap. A conductiveinterconnect is disposed between a substrate and the housing. Theinterconnect supplies electrical power to each conductive material onthe housing. A light source is disposed between the substrate andhousing. Examples of the trim assembly can include any one or acombination of the following features:

-   -   the first and second portions of the conductive material are        disposed on first and second opposing surfaces of the housing,        the second surface aligned with the conductive interconnect;    -   the housing is resiliently movable relative to the substrate;        and/or    -   the conductive material is configured as a proximity sensor that        is operably coupled to a controller to actuate a control output.

According to some examples, a trim assembly for a vehicle is providedherein. The trim assembly includes a substrate coupled to a housing. Thehousing has a conductive layer thereon that includes first and secondportions separated by an electrically insulative gap. A conductiveinterconnect is disposed between the substrate and the housing. Theinterconnect supplies electrical power to the conductive layer on thehousing. Examples of the trim assembly can include any one or acombination of the following features:

-   -   a light source within a cavity defined between the substrate and        the housing;    -   the first and second portions of the conductive layer are        disposed on first and second opposing surfaces of the housing,        the second surface aligned with the conductive interconnect;    -   the first or second portions of the conductive layer is        configured as a proximity sensor that is operably coupled to a        controller to actuate a control output; and/or    -   wherein the housing is resiliently movable relative to the        substrate.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described invention and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A trim assembly for a vehicle comprising: asubstrate and a housing forming a cavity therebetween; and a conductivelayer coupled to the housing and having first and second portions eachincluding an electrically conductive material, the first portionseparated from the second portion by an electrically insulative gap. 2.The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein the substrate is coupled to avehicle door trim panel.
 3. The trim assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising: a light source within the cavity.
 4. The trim assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the conductive material is configured as a proximitysensor that is operably coupled to a controller to actuate a controloutput.
 5. The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein the gap is a hollowvoid.
 6. The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein the gap is filled with anelectrically insulative material.
 7. The trim assembly of claim 1,further comprising: a protective layer disposed outwardly of thehousing.
 8. The trim assembly of claim 4, wherein the proximity sensoris configured as a capacitive sensor that detects changes in capacitancedue to movement of an object proximate to or in contact with theproximity sensor.
 9. The trim assembly of claim 1, further comprising: aconductive interconnect disposed between a substrate and the housing,wherein the interconnect supplies electrical power to each conductivematerial on the housing.
 10. The trim assembly of claim 9, wherein thefirst and second portions of the conductive layer are disposed on firstand second opposing surfaces of the housing, the second surface alignedwith the conductive interconnect.
 11. The trim assembly of claim 9,wherein the housing is resiliently movable relative to the substrate.12. A trim assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a housinghaving a layer thereon having first and second portions each formed withan electrically conductive material and separated by an electricallyinsulative gap; a conductive interconnect disposed between a substrateand the housing, wherein the interconnect supplies electrical power toeach conductive material on the housing; and a light source disposedbetween the substrate and housing.
 13. The trim assembly of claim 12,wherein the first and second portions of the conductive material aredisposed on first and second opposing surfaces of the housing, thesecond surface aligned with the conductive interconnect.
 14. The trimassembly of claim 12, wherein the housing is resiliently movablerelative to the substrate.
 15. The trim assembly of claim 12, whereinthe conductive material is configured as a proximity sensor that isoperably coupled to a controller to actuate a control output.
 16. A trimassembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a substrate coupled toa housing, the housing having a conductive layer thereon including firstand second portions separated by an electrically insulative gap; and aconductive interconnect disposed between the substrate and the housing,wherein the interconnect supplies electrical power to the conductivelayer on the housing.
 17. The trim assembly of claim 16, furthercomprising: a light source within a cavity defined between the substrateand the housing.
 18. The trim assembly of claim 16, wherein the firstand second portions of the conductive layer are disposed on first andsecond opposing surfaces of the housing, the second surface aligned withthe conductive interconnect.
 19. The trim assembly of claim 16, whereinthe first or second portions of the conductive layer is configured as aproximity sensor that is operably coupled to a controller to actuate acontrol output.
 20. The trim assembly of claim 16, wherein the housingis resiliently movable relative to the substrate.